Tom H Loc: St. Louis, MO

I'm trying to make a decision between the Sigma 50-500 mm and the 150-500 mm lens to use primarily for birding and other wildlife. I use a Pentax K-5 camera, (1.5 crop factor), with a Pentax 55-300 mm lens but want more reach. The budget keeps me from considering anything much more expensive.

For me, the basic question is which lens will give the best image quality at or near the 500 mm end of the range? Obviously I'd rather pay the nearly $1000 for the 150-500 instead of the nearly $1500 for the 50-500. I doubt that I would use this lens much below 150 mm so would not want to pay the $500 extra for the added range at the short end, but I would pay it if the more expensive lens gave IQ at the long end.

The 50-500 mm is slightly faster, but that is likely only at the shorter end of the range They are very likely about the same at the longer end.

My gut reaction is that the 150-500 is more likely to give the better IQ, but I'd like to hear from anyone that has made a comparison of these lenses or has seen a good review that considers that question. However, any comments about either lens would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

You might consider going with the 50-500 and selling your Pentax to help pay for it. I'm interested in your decision, because I'm looking at the same two lenses-- only for Nikon. I don't have anything in that range, so I don't have the "sell option". You might ask MTShooter. He has a retail camera shop-- and has probably used both

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Somebody call my name???


I used the old 50-500mm Sigma pre-OS days. After OS was added I bought both for a side-by-side tryout and after 2 weeks returned the 50-500mm OS and kept the 150-500mm OS model. It was as sharp if not sharper throughout the range and I liked it a bit better at the 500mm end. Since you already have the 55-300mm Pentax, the 50-500mm Sigma gives you a LOT of focal length redundancy, as was the issue I saw with my gear also. (I have a K5 and 55-300mm that is a nice setup, but I hate their 18-55mm).
I suggest keeping the Pentax, getting the Sigma 150-500mm, and using it in those instances when the situation calls for anything over 250mm. Besides, I am sure you can find a good home for the $600 you save.

Tom H Loc: St. Louis, MO

Two good replies almost before I got my finger off of the SEND button! Thank you both.

LoneRangeFinder, You idea of selling the 55-300 and using the money to buy the 50-500 has merit. But, that 55-300 is such a good lens, (particularly for it's price), that it gets a lot of use. The 50-500 is a very heavy lens which is one reason I would be more likely to use the 55-300 when I didn't need the extra low-end reach of the 50-500.

MT Shooter, the results of your experience is spot on to what I'm wanting to know about comparing the IQ of these lenses. It is particularly great to get the advice from someone that is familiar with the K-5 and Pentax 55-300 lens. I sure do like my K-5.

And, you are right that I can find a home for the difference in price. (I'm tempted to buy Sigma's 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM "walkabout/travel" lens while it is offered with the $200 rebate.) I'm not sure that I'm willing to sacrifice much quality for the convenience of not changing lenses. I'd likely be carrying the better lenses with me anyway most of the time. However, their are times when traveling that it may be sufficient and certainly convenient. The price is sure right.

You mentioned the Pentax 18-55 kit lens. When I bought my K-5 I got the 18-55 with it and gave it to my son with my old K-10D. I never used that lens, but thought it had a better than average reputation for a kit lens.

He also has a Pentax 67 medium format film camera that he doesn't use. I bought an adapter so I could use his lenses on my K-5. I only tried one comparison, but was very disappointed in the results. The shot was certainly sharp, but the color was way off! Green trees were much to gray. Don't know that I can do much about that with the camera's settings and/or pp, but suspect it wouldn't be worth the time.

Again, I thank you both for your responses. Most helpful. I'll let you know what I end up doing. I hope to get more responses before making a final decision.

snooked

I have been using the 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG for five years now and I am very happy with it. I have not used th 50-500mm lens, normally more range requires more compromises in sharpness. Attached photos were all taken at 500mm.

Ed

Pentax K5, Sigma 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG APO HSM

Robeng Loc: California

Hi Tom,

I have the Sigma 150mm-500mm lens its a great value for the money. Yesterday I attended a class taught by photographer Dave Maynard. The Tamron rep was at the class. Both Dave and the rep were telling me about the new Tamron 150mm-600mm lens that was release in Paris last week. You might want to wait and compare the Tamron against the Sigma.

Nosaj Loc: Sarasota, Florida

By all means, keep the K5 (I love mine and its still better than a D7000), and go with the 150-500, since the 55-300 gives you the 55-150 range. Then, remember to adjust aperture settings, particularly when using a polarizer filter.

crimesc324 Loc: West Palm Beach, Florida

I have the 50-500 and love it but agree with MT Shooter, since you are already covered at the lower end, it makes sense to go with the 150-500 and save the money.

snooked

From what I have seen the Tamron 150-600mm is not going to have a Pentax version, just Nikon, Canon, and Sony.

Robeng Loc: California

You could be right, Lou from Tamron knows I shoot Nikon.

Rob

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

For now... if it sells they'll add platforms within a year. :thumbup:

fstop11 Loc: Huntington Beach Ca

I have a 50-500. When I picked up the 150-500 It almost went over my shoulder, weight difference is a big factor. I would wait for the specs on the Tamron.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It is hard to find trustworthy definitive reviews of these lenses , but here is a guy who sounds like he knows what he is talking about - http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/41638139

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

Here's the B&H link for the Tamron. Not available yet--no pricing available. But apparently it's a BEAST at 4.30 lbs.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013956-REG/tamron_a011_c_sp_150_600mm_f_5_6_3_di.html

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

Too bad DPR doesn't have one of their top drawer reviews on either. :cry: